FPL Strategy: Managing Man City Midfielders After Semenyo’s Arrival
The arrival of Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth has ignited a shift in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) landscape, specifically concerning Manchester City’s midfielders. Semenyo, priced at £7.6m, made an immediate impact by scoring and assisting in a 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City. As FPL managers prepare for the upcoming deadline, many are reassessing their strategies regarding Man City players.
FPL Managers React to Semenyo’s Signing
The shift in player dynamics is evident as managers are selling Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in large numbers. Foden, priced at £8.7m, has seen over 339,000 exits from FPL teams, making him the most-sold player at this juncture. Cherki, at £6.8m, follows closely with over 131,000 managers opting to part ways.
Foden’s Role in Jeopardy
Foden, who thrived in a more advanced attacking role earlier in the season, may now find his position shifted due to Semenyo’s arrival. Previously, Foden experienced success with four consecutive double-figure hauls while Doku was injured, but his future minutes could be compromised.
Competition Among Manchester City Midfielders
As Manchester City potentially sticks to a 4-3-3 formation, the competition for starting spots intensifies. Semenyo will likely contend with both Doku and Cherki for a spot. Current analysis shows that Cherki has contributed significantly to City’s attack this season, leading with eight assists despite injuries. He has been involved in 53% of Man City’s goals, closely following Erling Haaland’s 54%.
Semenyo’s Performance Metrics
Semenyo’s performance metrics indicate his value as a goal scorer. In the 2025/26 season, he has scored ten goals with an improved conversion rate of 20.4%, averaging a goal every 180 minutes. In contrast, Foden has a goal conversion of 15.9%, while labels for Cherki and Doku show a decrease in efficiency.
| Player | Mins/Shot | Goal Conversion (%) | Mins/Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semenyo | 36.7 | 20.4% | 180.0 |
| Foden | 35.7 | 15.9% | 224.4 |
| Cherki | 39.9 | 9.1% | 438.5 |
| Doku | 58.6 | 5.3% | 1,114.0 |
What Strategy Should Managers Adopt?
The integration of Semenyo will affect the Gameweek decisions for fantasy managers. The prevailing recommendation is to hold off on rushing to include him until his role in Guardiola’s squad becomes clearer. Cherki’s consistency positions him as a favorable option among the current midfielders.
For those seeking alternatives, players like Declan Rice from Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United present valuable options in a similar price bracket. Their potential for both attacking gestation and defensive contributions makes them strong considerations.
Ultimately, FPL managers face critical decisions about their Manchester City assets, especially in light of Semenyo’s arrival and Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach.
